OAKWOOD — Johnson High is in for a big night.
The Knights football team not only will play host to West Hall in the annual "Battle of Oakwood" on Friday at Billy Ellis Memorial Stadium, the school will also honor its spring 2018 state champion boys soccer team with a ring ceremony prior to kickoff.
The Johnson boys defeated McIntosh 1-0 on May 11 in the Class 5A state championship game in Macon to claim the progam's -- and school's -- first GHSA team crown.
The Knights expect a big crowd at "The Dungeon" as they play host to their cross-town rivals. Johnson football is also off to an impressive start, winning its opener 38-0 last week to bust a 24-game losing skid.
Following is part of a press release from the school:
The 2018 JHS Men’s Soccer team had a historic season in spring 2018; defeating the defending champions (and 6 time state champion) McIntosh High school, eclipsing the 2014 and 2016 JHS boys soccer state runner-up teams. Last year we made history becoming not only the first boys soccer team to win a state championship; but also the first team sport to win a state championship in Johnson High School History. The 2018 team finished with the No. 1 Ranking in class 5A, No. 3 United Soccer Coaches Region II Ranking and also finished with a No. 9 United Soccer Coaches National Ranking. The 2018 team outscored their opponents 101-18 during the 2018 season and an impressive 19-1 during the State Playoffs. The 2018 JHS team claimed their 5th Straight Region Championship and 6th in the last 10 years.
This group of players, managers, and coaches have made a dream a reality. They accomplished this by working hard and sacrificing, but most importantly; they did this as a family. The 2018 team and the program as a whole is more than a team. We are a family!!. The Blood, Sweat, Tears, and Time, were all part of the path to accomplishing this goal, this is a group of boys who played their hearts out for each other and wanted each player to be the best they could be. They have left a legacy here at Johnson High School and memories that will go on forever. They can wake up each and every day knowing they are a state champion and have made their school and community so proud. In 5, 10, 15, and even 20 years down the road of life we can reunite and reminisce about the accomplishments of this great team; the 2018 JHS Men’s State Championship Soccer team.
